Education briefs
Advertiser Staff
Students can apply to switch school
Students can apply through March 1 for geographic exceptions to attend public schools other than their home schools for the 2002-03 school year.
Because of a lack of space, some schools accept applications on a waiting-list basis only. A chance selection process will be used at schools where applications exceed the available space, said Department of Education spokesman Greg Knudsen.
Priority for geographic exceptions is given to:
• Students wanting to enroll in a program of study not available at their home school.
• Siblings of students already attending the school.
• Children of staff members at the receiving school.
• Students not living with their parents who have an authorized residence in the receiving school's attendance area.
Application forms are available at any public school or district office. They must be submitted to the school at which attendance is desired.
Public libraries get computer grants
More than 30 public libraries will receive computers, printers, technical training and support through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The foundation has awarded $339,780 to the Hawai'i State Public Library System through a program dedicated to bringing computers, Internet access and training to low-income communities.
Libraries were selected for the grants based on their poverty levels as determined by the 1990 census.
A total of 103 computers and 30 printers will be purchased, and an O'ahu training lab provided under the grant will be ready by the end of the month. Microsoft will donate the software.
Public libraries that will receive the computers and printers include: Bond Memorial, Hilo, Holualoa, Honoka'a, Kailua-Kona, Kea'au, Kealakekua, Laupahoehoe, Mountain View, Na'alehu, Pahala, Pahoa, Thelma Parker Memorial, Hawai'i State Library, Kahuku, Kalihi-Palama, Liliha, McCully-Mo'ili'ili, Wahiawa, Waialua, Wai'anae, Waimanalo, Waipahu, Hanapepe, Kapa'a, Koloa, Lihu'e, Waimea, Hana, Moloka'i.
Nursing upgrade program offered
The University of Phoenix is launching a new nursing program to allow licensed practical nurses to advance to registered nurse status.
The university hopes the move will help allay the nursing shortage facing Hawai'i and the rest of the nation. It is estimated that half of Hawai'i's active registered nurses are 45 or older and many will retire in the next 15 years.
The new LPN-to-BSN program will allow licensed practical nurses to advance their careers in 30 months or less while continuing to work full-time.
The university will begin offering the program March 28 in Honolulu. A free information meeting will be held from 6-7 p.m., Jan. 31, at the downtown Honolulu campus.
All nursing programs at the university are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
For information, call the University of Phoenix Hawai'i campus at 536-2686 or toll-free at (800) 483-5444.
